tires for 85 gs700es

[luc8421]

Ok, last thing I need to do for my GS700es is replace the tires, I was thinking about getting the Pirelli sport demon tire for front and rear, could anyone give me some advice on whether or not this would be a good idea? I also consitered getting the dunlop d404, but I couldn't find a Dunlop front tire to work with it, does anyone know of one I could get? my tires are: rear -120/90x17
front-90/100x16 or 120/80x16
thanks for the help

[lhanscom]

Sport Demon is a great tire for grip, but doesn't last all that long. I would opt for 130/80 17 on the rear, that's what I ran on my 700. I think I got 4-5k on the rear V rated sport demon, but I'm near 300lbs, and ride pretty hard, so YMMV.

Dunlop makes good tires, you'll probably get more mileage out of them, but at a sacrifice of some grip, though you probably won't notice it. I really like the D205 I'm running now on my 1150, but wasn't a big fan of the GT501, it didn't hook up as well as I would have liked. Never tried a D404, so who knows.

[Griffin]

Tires are somewhat limited due to the 16" front hoop and skinny rims front and back. I have the Pirellis on mine, and have been very happy with them. Good traction (far better than OEM) and tread life longer to boot.

Avon also makes a Super Venom set that will fit. It is a bit less sticky, but offers more tread life. It's more of a sport touring type. I use them on my 550 and like them very much as well.

[oldschoolGS]

Best bias front is the metzeler ME33, you can still get it in COMP K compound in the 120/80 size. Any bias rear will work with it, it is the best front that I have ever used in 20+ years on my 83 750E (basically same bike as your 700es). I have used metzeler, dunlop, and conti rears with it. It is not cheap, but you get what you pay for. Good luck, Ed
1983 GS750ED